Extensible infotainment/telematics system having fixed base unit control of a portable communication device

ABSTRACT

An infotainment/telematics system includes a fixed base unit adapted to execute a set of stand-alone infotainment and/or telematics functions, and a portable communication device adapted to execute a stand-alone infotainment and/or telematics function. The fixed base unit and the portable communication device may be connected for intelligent communication with one another to allow the fixed base unit to control and access the stand-alone infotainment and/or telematics function of the portable communication device.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of PCT Application Serial No.PCT/US2007/080531, filed Oct. 5, 2007, which claims the benefit ofpriority to European Patent Application No. 06021021.8 filed Oct. 6,2006 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/850,226, filed Oct. 5,2006, all of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to an infotainment and/or telematicssystem in which the functionality of a fixed base unit is extensibleand/or upgradable when integrated with one or more personalcommunication devices.

2. Related Art

Infotainment/telematics systems are used in a wide range ofenvironments, including home systems, vehicle systems, and otherenvironments in which individuals are subject to visual and/or audiostimuli. Such systems may provide video and/or audio entertainmentand/or information to the individuals in the environment from multiplemedia and/or information sources. Media sources may include media fileson optical storage (i.e., CD players, DVD players, and other opticalformats), FLASH memory storage (i.e., USB memory, memory stick storage,and other non-volatile memory storage), disk drive storage, server-basedstorage, and other media storage.

The technology used in infotainment/telematics systems may changerapidly over a short period of time. Infotainment/telematics systems,such as those installed in a vehicle, may include technology currentwith the time at which the vehicle is manufactured. That technology maybecome old or obsolete not long after the vehicles are purchased.Further, certain infotainment/telematics system functionality, althoughexisting at the time that the vehicle was manufactured, may not be madeavailable by the manufacturer until subsequent versions of theinfotainment/telematics system.

A mismatch may exist between the lifecycle of a vehicle that is used forten or more years and the innovation cycle of theinfotainment/telematics system used in the vehicle. Such a mismatch mayalso result in a rapid obsolescence of a set of fixed components of aninfotainment/telematics system.

SUMMARY

An infotainment/telematics system includes a fixed base unit adapted toexecute a set of stand-alone infotainment and/or telematics functions,and a portable communication device adapted to execute a stand-aloneinfotainment and/or telematics function. The fixed base unit and theportable communication device may be connected for intelligentcommunication with one another to allow the fixed base unit to controland access the stand-alone infotainment and/or telematics function ofthe portable communication device.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention willbe, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features andadvantages be included within this description, be within the scope ofthe invention, and be protected by the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, likereferenced numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an extensible infotainment/telematicssystem.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a base unit and portable communicationdevice that may be used in the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows messages that may be communicated between the base unit andportable communication device when they are connected for intelligentcommunication with one another.

FIG. 4 shows a process that may be implemented in the system shown inFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows messages that may be communicated between the base unit andportable communication device when the base unit accesses a shareddevice/resource on the portable communication device.

FIG. 6 shows messages that may be communicated between the base unit andportable communication device when the portable communication deviceaccesses a shared device/resource on the base unit.

FIG. 7 shows messages that may be communicated between the base unit andportable communication device when a new device/resource is attached tothe portable communication device.

FIG. 8 shows a process that may be used when a new device/resource isattached to the portable communication device.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a base unit that may be used in a vehicle.

FIG. 10 illustrates one manner of physically orienting a fixed base unitand corresponding portable communication device in a vehicle.

FIG. 11 illustrates a further manner of physically orienting a fixedbase unit and corresponding portable communication device in a vehicle.

FIG. 12 illustrates a still further manner of physically orienting afixed base unit and corresponding portable communication device in avehicle.

FIG. 13 shows how the portable communication device may be used toupdate firmware in the base unit.

FIG. 14 shows a system in which the base unit device types and portablecommunication device infotainment/telematics device types do not overlapwith one another.

FIG. 15 shows a system in which the base unit device types and portablecommunication device infotainment/telematics device types overlap withone another.

FIG. 16 shows a single portable communication device connected to asingle base unit over communication link.

FIG. 17 shows multiple portable communication devices connected forintelligent communication to a single base unit.

FIG. 18 shows multiple portable communication devices connected forintelligent communication to a base unit using both wired and wirelesscommunication layers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an extensible infotainment and/ortelematics system 100. The system 100 includes a base unit 105 that isfixed within a base unit environment 110. The base unit environment 110may be a vehicle, a home, or other user environment capable ofaccommodating the fixed base unit 105. The base unit 105 may be capableof executing a first set of infotainment and/or telematics functions.

The infotainment/telematics system 100 may also include a portablecommunication device 115. The portable communication device 115 may becapable of executing a second set of infotainment and/or telematicsfunctions. There may be a non-overlap between the first and second setof infotainment/telematics function types so that theinfotainment/telematics functionality of the portable communicationdevice 115 is at least partially complementary to theinfotainment/telematics functionality of the fixed base unit 105 and/orvice versa. Alternatively, the first and second set ofinfotainment/telematics function types may be the same.

The fixed base unit 105 and the portable communication device 115 may beconnected for intelligent communication with one another over acommunication link 120. The communication link 120 may be a wirelesslink, a wired link, a network link, and/or other communication mediumcapable of sustaining intelligent communication. The intelligentcommunication between the fixed base unit 105 and the portablecommunication device 115 may be used to extend the infotainment and/ortelematics functionality of one or both of the fixed base unit 105 andportable communication device 115 to include one or more of thenon-overlapping infotainment/telematics functions. Additionally, or inthe alternative, the fixed base unit 105 may control infotainment and/ortelematics functionality of devices on the portable communication device115, and vice versa, when the fixed base unit 105 and portablecommunication devices 115 are connected for intelligent communicationwith one another. In such instances, the portable communication device115 may operate as a master device with the fixed base unit 105 as aslave device in connection with certain infotainment and/or telematicsfunctionality. Similarly, the fixed base unit 105 may operate as themaster device with the portable communication device 115 as the slavedevice in connection with certain infotainment and/or telematicsfunctionality.

Either or both of the base unit 105 and/or portable communication device115 may be updated in any of a number of different manners. For example,one or both of the base unit 105 and/or portable communication device115 may include connections 125 and 130 for access to a Wi-Fi networkthat may be used to update the respective unit. Additionally, or in thealternative, one or both of the base unit 105 and/or portablecommunication device 115 may be updated using a corresponding link to acomputer 135. Still further, the base unit 105 and/or portablecommunication device 115 may be updated by the other device or unit whenthey are connected for communication with one another.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a base unit 205 and portable communicationdevice 210 that may be used in the system 100 of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, thebase unit 205 includes a base unit processor 215, a plurality of baseunit devices 220, and a plurality of base unit resources 223. The baseunit processor 215 and the base unit devices 220 may cooperate with oneanother to execute the first set of infotainment and/or telematicsfunctions associated with the base unit 205. Similarly, the base unitprocessor 215 and the base unit resources 223 may cooperate with oneanother to execute some of the first set of infotainment and/ortelematics functions associated with the base unit 205. User access tothe first set of infotainment and/or telematics functions may beprovided through a user interface 225. The user interface 225 may becontrolled by the base unit processor 215 and corresponding userinterface software stored in memory of the base unit 205.

The user interface 225 may include virtual buttons, mechanical buttons,virtual and/or mechanical rotary controls, virtual and/or mechanicalsliders, and/or a display 230. Display 230 may be used to provide visualfeedback to the user, implement virtual controls, and/or may be includedas one of the base unit devices 220 available in the base unit 205.Additionally, or alternatively, the user interface 225 may includecomponents used to audibly interact with the base unit 205. Audibleinteraction facilitates use of speech commands and feedback through theuser interface 225. Video components, such as a camera and/or videoscreen, may be used in the user interface to visually interact with thebase unit 205.

Base unit 205 may also include input/output components 235. The I/Ocomponents 235 may be used for a number of different purposes. Wi-Fiupdates to the software and/or firmware used by the base unit 205 may beprovided to the base unit 205 using the I/O components 235. Updates mayalso be provided to the base unit 205 from computer 135 using the I/Ocomponents 235. Further base unit resources and resource add-ons mayalso be connected to the base unit 205 through the I/O components 235.

A PCD interface 240 may be provided to facilitate intelligentcommunication over communication link 120. The PCD interface 240 may becontrolled by the base unit processor 215 and correspondingcommunication software. Alternatively, or in addition, the PCD interface240 may include its own processor and corresponding communicationsoftware that controls communications between the portable communicationdevice 210 and the base unit processor 215.

In FIG. 2, the portable communication device 210 includes a PCDprocessor 215, PCD devices 250, and PCD resources 253. The PCD processor245 and the PCD devices 250 may cooperate with one another to executethe second set of infotainment and/or telematics functions associatedwith the portable communication device 210.

User access to the second set of infotainment and/or telematicsfunctions may be provided through a user interface 255. The userinterface 255 may be controlled by the PCD processor 245 andcorresponding user interface software stored in portable communicationdevice 210. The processing power/capability of the portablecommunication device 210 may exceed that of the fixed base unit 205. Insuch situations, the overall processing power/capability of system 100may be increased by adding a portable communication device 210 orreplacing an obsolete portable communication device with a new one.

The user interface 255 may optionally include virtual buttons,mechanical buttons, virtual and/or mechanical rotary controls, virtualand/or mechanical sliders, and/or a display 260 disposed on the personalcommunication device 210. Display 260 may be used to provide visualfeedback to the user, implement virtual controls, and/or may be includedas one of the base unit devices 250 available in the portablecommunication device 210. Additionally, or alternatively, the userinterface 255 may include components used to audibly interact with theportable communication device 210. Audible interaction facilitates useof speech commands and feedback through the user interface 255. Videocomponents, such as a camera and/or video screen, may be used in theuser interface to visually interact with the portable communicationdevice 210.

Portable communication device 210 may also include input/output (I/O)components 265. The I/O components 265 may be used for a number ofdifferent purposes. Wi-Fi updates to the firmware and/or software usedby the portable communication device 210 may be provided to the portablecommunication device 210 using the I/O components 265. Updates may alsobe provided to the portable communication device 210 from computer 135using the I/O components 265. New PCD resources 270 and resource add-onsmay also be connected to the portable communication device 210 throughthe I/O components 265.

A base unit interface 275 is provided to facilitate intelligentcommunication with the base unit 205 over communication link 120. Thebase unit interface 275 may be controlled by the PCD processor 245 andcorresponding communication software. Alternatively, or in addition, thebase unit interface 275 may include its own processor and correspondingcommunication software that controls communications between the baseunit 205 and the PCD processor 245.

The base unit 205 may operate as a stand-alone unit when it is notconnected for intelligent communication with the portable communicationdevice 210. When disconnected, the base unit 205 supports theinfotainment/telematics functionality associated with the base unitdevices 220 through the user interface 225. A set of base unit devices220 is shown in FIG. 3 and includes: a loudspeaker system 305, a CDplayer 310, an AM radio 315, an FM radio 320, and a video screen 335.Further support of the infotainment/telematics functionality may beprovided by the base unit resources 223, shown here as audio datastorage 330 and video data storage 335.

Similarly, certain portable communication devices 210 may operate in astand-alone manner when disconnected from the base unit 205. In suchinstances, the portable communication device may support theinfotainment/telematics functionality associated with the PCD devices250 through the user interface 255. A set of PCD devices 250 is shown inFIG. 3 and includes: a headphone/speaker system 340, a CD player 345, avideo screen 350, a GPS receiver 355, a Wi-Fi transceiver 360, video andan MP3 player 365. Sharing of the Wi-Fi transceiver 360 allows the baseunit 205 and/or portable communication device 210 to access the Internetvia a hotspot. Additionally, or alternatively, such sharing allows thebase unit 205 to access the portable communication device 210 via Wi-Fior BT transceiver to use a WAN device on the portable communicationdevice 210 as an Internet gateway to access the internet, to reade-mail, to execute Internet calling, and/or to execute otherInternet-related functionality. Further support of theinfotainment/telematics functionality of the portable communicationdevice 210 may be provided by the PCD resources 253, shown here as audiodata storage 367 and video data storage 370.

FIG. 3 also shows messages that may be communicated between the baseunit 205 and portable communication device 210 when they are connectedfor intelligent communication with one another. At 380, the portablecommunication device 210 prompts the base unit 205 to begin executing acommunication initialization process. Alternatively, or in addition, thebase unit 205 may execute the prompt. Information used to initializecommunications between the base unit 205 and portable communicationdevice 210 is exchanged at 385.

At 387, the base unit 205 and portable communication device 210 exchangeinformation regarding their respective devices and/or resources.Information relating to the devices 220 of the base unit 205 may bestored in device/resource information storage 390 while informationrelating to the devices 250 of the portable communication device 210 maybe stored in device/resource information storage 393. Prior to theexchange of resource information 387, the resource information storage390 does not necessarily include information associated with the devices250. Likewise, resource information storage 393 does not necessarilyinclude information associated with devices 220 prior to the exchange ofresource information 387. During the exchange of device/resourceinformation at 387, the base unit 205 may communicate some or all of theinformation in the device/resource information storage 390 to theportable communication device 210. The portable communication device210, in turn, may communicate some or all of the information in thedevice/resource information storage 393 to the portable communicationdevice 210 during: the exchange of device/resource information at 387.After the exchange of data and/or resource information at 387, thedata/resource information storage 390 may include information relatingto devices 220 and 250 and to resources 223 and 253. Device/resourceinformation storage 393 may include information relating to devices 220and 250 and to resources 223 and 253 after the exchange at 387.

Alternatively, or in addition, the exchange of device and/or resourceinformation at 387 may be based on real-time polling/discovery of thedevices 220 by the base unit 205 and by real-time polling/discovery ofdevices 250 by the portable communication device 210. This may beachieved, for example, through ad-hoc networking. As each device and/orgroup of devices 220 is polled/discovered, information corresponding tothe device and/or group of devices 220 may be communicated by the baseunit 205 to the portable communication device 210. Likewise, as eachdevice and/or group of devices 250 is polled/discovered, informationcorresponding to the device and/or group of devices 250 may becommunicated by the portable communication device 210 to the base unit205. Discovery of resources 223 and 253 may proceed in a similar manner.Other manners of exchanging device and/or resource information may alsobe used.

Once a base unit 205 and portable communication device 210 have beenconnected with one another, they each may store information relating tothe devices and/or resources of the other. In this manner, reinitiatingan exchange of device/resource information between a previously pairedbase unit 205 and portable communication device 210 may be limited tonew transient devices that are connected to either one. Alternatively,no further device/resource information exchange is necessary whenneither the base units 205 nor portable communication device 210 isconfigured to accept new transient devices. If pairing is not desired, acomplete exchange of device/resource information may be undertaken.

FIG. 4 shows a process 400 that may be implemented in the system shownin FIG. 3. At operation 405, the base unit 205 and portablecommunication device 210 exchange device and/or resource information.Although a bidirectional exchange of device and/or resource informationis shown in FIG. 3, a unilateral transmission of device and/or resourceinformation may also be used. Base unit 205 may transmit informationregarding its devices 220 to the portable communication device 210without a corresponding transmission of resource information from theportable communication device 210. Once the information has beentransmitted, the base unit 205 may share one or more of its devices 220with the portable communication device 210. In such instances, theportable communication device 210 need not necessarily share its devices250 with the base unit 205. Alternatively, the portable communicationdevice 210 may transmit information regarding its devices 250 to thebase unit 205 without a corresponding transmission of resourceinformation from the base unit 205. Once the information has beentransmitted, the portable communication device 210 may share one or moreof its devices 250 with the base unit 205. In such instances, the baseunit 205 need not necessarily share its devices 220 with the portablecommunication device 210.

The device and/or resource information on the base unit 205 and/or theportable communication device 210 is updated at operation 410. The baseunit 205 may update its available device/resource information to includedevice/resource information received from the portable communicationdevice 210, if any. One or more of the devices/resources may beidentified by the base unit 205 as a shared device/resource. Theportable communication device 210 may update its availabledevice/resource information to include device/resource informationreceived from the base unit 205, if any. One or more of thedevices/resources may be identified by the portable communication device210 as a shared device/resource.

At operation 415, the base unit 205 and/or the portable communicationdevice 210 identify infotainment and/or telematics functionality of oneor more of the shared devices/resources. This information may be used atoperation 420 to update the user interface on one or both of the baseunit 205 and/or portable communication device 210. The user interface ofthe base unit 205 may be updated to reflect additional infotainmentand/or telematics functionality provided by shared devices/resources ofthe portable communication device 210. The user interface of theportable communication device 210 may be updated to reflect additionalinfotainment/telematics functionality provided by shared resources ofthe base unit 205. In either or both instances, the respective userinterface may indicate the availability of the additional infotainmentand/or telematics functionality and/or provide a manner through whichthe user may interact with, use, and/or control the additionalinfotainment functionality.

The user interfaces 225 and 255 of the base unit 205 and portablecommunication device 210, respectively, may be implemented in a numberof different manners. The user interfaces may be implemented using aplug-in framework. The portable communication device 210 may send thebase unit 205 one or more user interface plug-ins during the exchange at387 that may be used by the base unit 205 to extend the user interface225 of the base unit 205 to include access to the shareddevices/resources of the portable communication device 210.Additionally, or in the alternative, the base unit 205 may send theportable communication device 210 one or more user interface plug-insduring the exchange at 387 that may be used by the portablecommunication device 210 to extend the user interface 255 of theportable communication device 210 to include access to the shareddevices/resources of the base unit 205. The plug-ins may be stored indevice/resource information storage 390 and/or device/resourceinformation storage 393.

The user interfaces may alternatively be implemented using a browserframework in which device/resource access and control is achievedthrough HTML, XML, and/or other browser compatible interface. Eachdevice/resource may have its own HTML page, XML page, or other markuplanguage page. Additionally, or in the alternative, the user interfacefor one or more of the devices/resources may include a FLASH® UI (.swf)container file that includes both the graphics associated with thedevice/resource as well as any underlying ActionScript® programming thatsupports interaction with the device/resource. The FLASH UI may beaccessed from the base unit 205 and/or portable communication device 210from a FLASH player, local browser, or other runtime application. Markuplanguage pages and/or FLASH UI for the devices/resources may beexchanged as needed on a real-time basis. Alternatively, markup languagepages and/or FLASH UI for the devices/resources may beexchanged/transferred at 387. Still further, markup language pagesand/or FLASH UI for the devices/resources may be obtained automaticallyfrom the Internet using a Wi-Fi connection and downloaded for use by therespective user interface of the base unit 205 and/or portablecommunication device 210.

FIG. 5 shows messages that may be communicated between the base unit 205and portable communication device 210 when the base unit 205 accesses ashared device/resource on the portable communication device 210. At 505,the base unit 205 sends a request to the portable communication device210 for access to a device 250. The portable communication device 210may acknowledge the device request at 510 and may grant or deny thedevice request at 515. If the request is denied, the base unit 205 mayplace the request on a queue for subsequent use. A message correspondingto the denial of the request may be provided to the user on the userinterface of the base unit 205.

If the request is granted, the base unit 205 may transmit commandsand/or data for processing by the requested device of the portablecommunication device 210 at 520. For example, the base unit 205 mayrequest access to the decoder of the video/MP3 player 365 to decodemedia data stored in audio data storage resource 330. The audio data maybe transmitted at 520 from the base unit 205 to the portablecommunication device 210 for decoding by the MP3 player 365.

The data transmitted by the base unit 205 at 520 may be processed by therequested device of the portable communication device 210 and returnedfor use by the base unit 205 at 525. For example, the data transmittedby the base unit 205 may be decoded by the MP3 player 365 and returnedto the base unit 205 at 525. The base unit 205 may use the returnedprocess data for playback through loudspeaker system 305.

In another case, the base unit 205 may request access to the navigationfunctionality available on the GPS receiver 355. A destination andrequest for routing information may be transmitted at 520. The GPSreceiver 355 may calculate the route from, for example, the currentlocation. In return, the portable communication device 210 may return avideo stream showing the map and other navigation relevant graphicsassociated with the route at 525. Additionally, the portablecommunication device 210 may stream audio to provide audible guidancealong the calculated route.

In yet another case, the base unit 205 may request access to the Wi-Fifunctionality of the Wi-Fi transceiver device 360. In such instances,the base unit 205 may use the Wi-Fi transceiver device 360 as a gatewaydevice to access the Internet, to place Internet calls, to receive andsend e-mail, and to access other Internet-related functions. Commandsand/or data for accessing the Internet may be provided by the base unit205 at 520. The commands and/or data may be based on interactionsbetween a user and the user interface 225 of the base unit 205. Theprocessed data that is returned at 525 may be in any of a number ofdifferent formats. For example, the data may comprise TCP/IP packet datafrom the Internet. It may comprise audio and/or video streams processedby the portable communication device 210, where the audio and/or videostreams correspond to information received by the Wi-Fi transceiver 360in response to the commands/data sent at 520. Other manners oftransferring commands and/or data between the base unit 205 and portablecommunication device 210 pursuant to using the Wi-Fi transceiver 360 asan Internet gateway may also be used.

The base unit 205 and portable communication device 210 may also sharetheir respective resources 223 and 253. For simple commands like fileaccess (audio, video, picture, etc.), UPnP and a media server approachmay be used.

FIG. 6 shows messages that may be communicated between the base unit 205and portable communication device 210 when the portable communicationdevice 210 accesses a shared device/resource on the base unit 205. At605, the portable communication device 210 sends a request to the baseunit 205 for access to a device 220. The base unit 205 may acknowledgethe device request at 610 and may grant or deny the device request at615. If the request is denied, the portable communication device 210 mayplace the request on a queue for subsequent use. A message correspondingto the denial of the request may be provided to the user on the userinterface of the portable communication device 210.

If the request is granted, the portable communication device 210 maytransmit data for processing by the requested device of the base unit205 at 620. For example, the portable communication device 210 mayrequest access to the CD player 310. Commands to control the CD player310 may be transmitted at 620 from the base unit 205 to the portablecommunication device 210.

The commands and/or data transmitted by the base unit 205 at 620 may beprocessed by the requested device of the base unit 205 and returned foruse by the portable communication device 210 at 625. For example,streaming audio or audio packets from the CD player 310 corresponding tothe commands sent at 620 may be returned to the portable communicationdevice 210 at 625. The portable communication device 210 may use thereturned data for audio playback through the headphone/speaker system340.

When a new device/resource is attached to either the base unit 205 orportable communication device 210, either the base unit 205 or theportable communication device 210 may initiate either a bidirectional orunidirectional transmission of device/resource information. Thetransmission may include information relating to all of thedevices/resources, including the newly added device/resource.Alternatively, the transmission may be limited to the informationrelating to the newly added device/resource.

FIG. 7 shows messages that may be communicated between the base unit 205and portable communication device 210 when a new device/resource 270 isattached to the portable communication device 210. At 705, the portablecommunication device 210 prompts the base unit 205 to engage in a newdevice/resource discovery operation. Any information needed for the newdevice/resource discovery operation may be exchanged or acknowledged at710. Information relating to the new device/resource 270 is transmittedto the base unit 205 at 715. The information transmitted at 715 may bebased on real-time information for the new device/resource 270 and/orinformation stored in the device/resource information storage 393 afterexecution of a new device/resource discovery operation internal to theportable communication device are 210. The user interface of the baseunit 205 and the user interface of the portable communication device 210may be updated to reflect any additional infotainment and/or telematicsfunctionality provided by the new device/resource 270.

FIG. 8 shows a process that may be used when a new device/resource isattached to the portable communication device 210. At operation 805, theportable communication device 210 identifies the new device/resource.The portable communication device 210 updates its device/resourceinformation at operation 810 and prompts the base unit for execution ofthe new device/resource discovery exchange at operation 815. Atoperation 820, the portable communication device 210 sends informationrelating to the new device/resource to the base unit 205. The base unit205 updates its device/resource information at operation 825. The baseunit 205 and portable communication device 210 identify any changes tothe infotainment and/or telematics functionality resulting from theaddition of the new device/resource at operation 830. At operation 835,the base unit 205 and/or portable communication device 210 update theirrespective user interfaces to reflect the availability of any additionalinfotainment/telematics functionality. One or both of the userinterfaces may also be updated to allow the user to use, access, and/orcontrol the additional infotainment/telematics functionality.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a base unit 905 that may be used in avehicle. In FIG. 9, the base unit 905 includes a base unit processor 910and a plurality of base unit devices 915. Additionally, the base unit905 may include one or more base unit resources 917. The base unitprocessor 910, base unit devices 915, and base unit resources 917 maycooperate with one another to execute a set of infotainment and/ortelematics functions associated with the base unit 905. User access tothe set of infotainment/telematics functions may be provided through auser interface 920. The user interface 920 may be controlled by the baseunit processor 910 and corresponding user interface software stored inmemory of the base unit 905.

The user interface 920 may include virtual buttons, mechanical buttons,virtual and/or mechanical rotary controls, virtual and/or mechanicalsliders, and/or a display 925. Display 925 may be used to provide visualfeedback to the user, implement virtual controls, and/or may be includedas one of the base unit resources 915 available in the base unit 905.Additionally, or alternatively, the user interface 920 may includecomponents used to audibly interact with the base unit 905. Audibleinteraction facilitates use of speech commands and feedback through theuser interface 920. Video components, such as a camera and/or videoscreen, may be used in the user interface to visually interact with thebase unit 905. The user interface 920 may be implemented as a plug-ininterface, browser interface, or using any of the interfaceconfigurations described above.

Base unit 905 may also include input/output components 930. The I/Ocomponents 930 may be used for a number of different purposes. Wi-Fiupdates may be provided to the base unit 905 using the I/O components930. Further base unit resources and resource add-ons may also beconnected to the base unit 905 through the I/O components 930.

A PCD interface 935 is provided to facilitate intelligent communicationover a communication link with one or more corresponding portablecommunication devices. The PCD interface 935 may be controlled by thebase unit processor 910 and corresponding communication software.Alternatively, or in addition, the PCD interface 935 may include its ownprocessor and corresponding communication software that controlscommunications between the portable communication device and the baseunit processor 905.

The base unit 905 may include a wide variety of base unit devices 915.In FIG. 9, the base unit devices include: a MOST bus interface 940, aCAN bus interface 945, one or more sensors 950, and mediadecoding/playback resources 955. The MOST interface 940 (Media OrientedSystems Transport) allows the base unit 905 to interface with devicescompliant with the multimedia and infotainment networking standard inthe automotive industry. The CAN bus interface 945 allows the base unit905 to interface with the engine and/or comfort CAN system used in thevehicle. Sensors 950 may include vehicle sensors that are not providedon or accessible over the CAN bus. The media storage/decoding/playbackresources 955 may include media resources that are not available overthe MOST bus of the vehicle, or otherwise not provided in other portionsof the vehicle.

FIG. 10 illustrates one manner of physically orienting a fixed base unit1005 and corresponding portable communication device 1010 in a vehicle1015. In FIG. 10, the base unit 1005 may be fixed for access by a driverin the passenger compartment. Such access may be provided when the baseunit 1005 is mounted in or on the dashboard of the vehicle 1015. Theportable communication device 1010 may be in the form of a handheld unitthat is held and operated by a passenger in the passenger compartment.Alternatively, or in addition, the portable communication device 1010may be mounted in a corresponding adapter/socket disposed in the rearpassenger compartment of the vehicle 1015. For example, the portablecommunication device 1010 may be mounted in a corresponding adapterand/or socket disposed in a rear portion of a front seat of the vehicle.

FIG. 11 illustrates another manner of physically orienting a fixed baseunit 1105 and corresponding portable communication device 1110 in avehicle 1115. In FIG. 11, the base unit 1105 may be fixed for access bya driver in the passenger compartment. Such access may be provided whenthe base unit 1105 is mounted in or on the dashboard of the vehicle1115. The portable communication device 1110 may be in the form of ahandheld unit that is readily placed for operation in the trunkcompartment of the vehicle 1115. Alternatively, or in addition, theportable communication device 1110 may be mounted in a correspondingadapter/socket disposed in the trunk of the vehicle 1115.

FIG. 12 illustrates a still further manner of physically orienting afixed base unit 1205 and corresponding portable communication device1210 in a vehicle 1215. In FIG. 12, the base unit 1205 may be fixed foraccess by a driver in the passenger compartment. Such access may beprovided when the base unit 1205 is mounted in or on the dashboard ofthe vehicle 1215. The portable communication device 1210 may be in theform of a handheld unit that is readily joined for operation with thebase unit 1205 in the front passenger compartment of the vehicle 1215.This may be accomplished by providing mating connectors between the baseunit 1205 and the portable communication device 1210. Alternatively, orin addition, this may be accomplished by providing a dedicated adapterand/or socket in the dashboard, glove compartment, or other location inthe front portion of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1215.

FIG. 13 shows how the portable communication device 210 may be used toupdate firmware in the base unit 205. In FIG. 13, base unit firmware1305 may be stored in non-volatile storage. The updated firmware and anyinformation needed to update the base unit firmware may be included as aresource of the portable communication device 210. Here, two options areshown. Firmware update 1310 may be stored in memory that is connected tothe portable communication device 210 as a transient resource over theI/O components 265. The firmware update 1310 may be downloaded into thememory device from an external source, such as computer 135. Firmwareupdate 1315 may be stored in memory that is fixed in the portablecommunication device 210. The firmware update 1315 may be obtained bythe portable communication device 210 from an external source, such asWi-Fi connection 130 or computer 135. Other manners of acquiring andstoring a firmware update in the portable communication device 210 mayalso be used.

FIG. 13 also shows the types of messages that may be communicatedpursuant to upgrading the base unit firmware 1305. At 1320, the portablecommunication device 210 prompts the base unit 205 to begin theexecution of a firmware upgrade process. Acknowledgments and otherinitial information may be passed between the base unit 205 and portablecommunication device 210 at 1325. Such information may include theversion number of the firmware update, the creation date of the firmwareupdate, error correction codes, checksums, and any other informationthat may be used by the base unit 205 during the firmware updateprocess. If the version number and/or creation date of the firmwareupdate match the base unit firmware 1305 that is currently installed onthe base unit 205, the base unit 205 may communicate this to theportable communication device 210. In such instances, the portablecommunication device 210 may record this fact and refrain from furtherattempts at updating the firmware 1305 of this particular base unit 205.

If the acknowledgments and information exchanged at 1325 indicate thatthe base unit 205 is ready to proceed with the firmware update, theportable communication device 210 sends a firmware update at 1330. Thedata for the firmware update may be sent as a single stream or inpackets, each packet being acknowledged by the base unit 205.

Once the portable communication device 210 has transferred allinformation and data for the firmware update to the base unit 205, theportable communication device 210 and the base unit 205 may confirm thatthe firmware update occurred without any errors at 1335. If errorsoccurred, it may be necessary to repeat all or a portion of the firmwareupdate process. If the firmware update is error-free, a software resetof the base unit 205 may be executed so that the base unit 205 mayoperate with the updated base unit firmware 1305.

The operations shown in FIG. 13 may be extended to other situations inwhich the portable communication device 210 updates the base unit 205.For example, audio and/or video decoding software may be added to thedevices 220 of the base unit 205 using the portable communication device210. Such decoding software may also be updated on the base unit 205using the portable communication device 210. Software used by anexisting resource, such as CD player 310, may also be updated usingoperations similar to those shown in FIG. 13.

The base unit 205 and portable communication device 210 may includesoftware and/or hardware used to manage the distribution of infotainmentand/or telematics functionality between them. For example, base unit 205may be assigned infotainment/telematics functionalities associated witha first playback zone while portable communication device 210 may beassigned infotainment/telematics functionalities associated with asecond playback zone. Other manners of distributing the functionality ofthe base unit 205 and portable communication device 210 are shown inFIGS. 14 and 15.

In FIG. 14, the system 100 includes a set of base unit devices 220associated with a first set of infotainment and/or telematics functionsand a second set of PCD devices 250 associated with a second set ofinfotainment and/or telematics functions. The base unit devices 220 andPCD devices 250 include differing types of resources. The first andsecond sets of infotainment/telematics functions shown in FIG. 14 may benon-overlapping. The base unit devices 220 may be assigned to executeinfotainment/telematics functionality for the base unit 205 while thePCD devices 250 may be assigned to execute infotainment/telematicsfunctionality for the portable communication device 210. Device/resourcesharing need not necessarily be executed.

Alternatively, device sharing may be fully executed in the system 100 ofFIG. 14. In such instances, all of the functionality associated with thebase unit devices 220 may be made available to the portablecommunication device 210 while all of the functionality associated withthe PCD devices 250 may be made available to the base unit 205. Stillfurther, a limited number of base unit devices 220 may be made availableto the portable communication device 210. Similarly, a limited number ofPCD devices 250 may be made available to the base unit 210.

In FIG. 15, the system 100 includes a set of base unit devices 220associated with a first set of infotainment and/or telematics functionsand a second set of PCD devices 250 associated with a second set ofinfotainment and/or telematics functions. The base unit devices 220 andPCD devices 250 include one or more overlapping resource types 1505. Theportable communication device 210 may have more processing power thanthe base unit 205. In such instances, when the base unit 205 andportable communication device 210 are connected for communication withone another, the system 100 may shift any overlapping functionalityassociated with the overlapping device types 1505 to the portablecommunication device 210. In other instances, the base unit 205 may havemore processing power than the portable communication device 210. Insuch instances, when the base unit 205 and portable communication device210 are connected for communication with one another, the system 100 mayshift any overlapping functionality associated with the overlappingdevice types 1505 to the base unit 205. Still further, such shifting maybe executed independent of the processing power of the base unit 205and/or portable communication device 210.

System 100 may be configured in a number of different manners. In FIG.16, a single portable communication device 210 is connected to a singlebase unit 205 over communication link 120. Multiple portablecommunication devices may also be employed. FIG. 17 shows multipleportable communication devices 210 connected for intelligentcommunication to a single base unit 205. In this configuration, eachportable communication device 210 may communicate independently with thebase unit 205. The base unit 205 may act as a network server for theportable communication devices 210. Devices/resources on one of theportable communication devices 210 may be shared with another portablecommunication device 210 connected to the base unit 205.

Device/resource sharing and infotainment/telematics functionalitydistribution may be handled by the base unit 205. The base unit 205 mayact as a communication hub for the multiple portable communicationdevices 210. Alternatively, the portable communication devices 210 andthe base unit number 205 may communicate with one another in apeer-to-peer manner.

FIG. 18 illustrates how a base unit 1800 may be connected to multipleportable communication devices. Base unit 1800 includes a PCD interface1805 that provides intelligent communication with the multiple portablecommunication devices. The PCD interface 1805 may include interfacescompliant with different communication standards. In FIG. 18, the PCDinterface 1805 includes both a wired layer and a wireless layer. Thewired layer of FIG. 18 includes a MOST interface 1810 and/or an EthernetAV interface 1815. In addition to providing a medium for communication,the wired layer may also be configured to provide power to one or moreportable communication devices. The wireless layer may be a combinationof Wi-Fi and ultra-wideband technology (UWB). In FIG. 18, the wirelesslayer may be implemented as a wireless USB interface 1820.

FIG. 18 shows multiple portable communication devices connected to thePCD interface 1805. Portable communication device 1830 includes a baseunit interface 1835 having a MOST interface 1845 for communication withthe MOST interface 1810 of the PCD interface 1805. The portablecommunication device 1830 may share PCD device 1840 with the base unit1800 using this communication link.

Portable communication device 1847 includes a base unit interface 1850having an Ethernet AV interface 1855 for communication with the EthernetAV interface 1815 of the PCD interface 1805. The portable communicationdevice 1847 may share PCD device 1853 with the base unit 1800 using thiscommunication link. Similarly, portable communication device 1857includes a base unit interface 1860 having an Ethernet AV interface 1865for communication with the Ethernet AV interface 1815 of the PCDinterface 1805. The portable communication device 1857 may share PCDdevice 1853 with the base unit 1800 using this communication link. Thisconfiguration may operate in an ad hoc manner that allows directcommunication and sharing of PCD devices between portable communicationdevice 1847 and portable communication device 1857. Alternatively, baseunit 1800 may operate as a communication hub that arbitratescommunication and/or device sharing between portable communicationdevice 1847 and portable communication device 1857.

Portable communication device 1867 includes a base unit interface 1870having a wireless USB interface 1875 for communication with the wirelessUSB interface 1820 of the PCD interface 1805. The portable communicationdevice 1867 may share PCD device 1875 with the base unit 1800.

Base unit 1800 may operate as a communication hub that arbitratescommunication and/or device sharing between devices using differentinterface standards. In FIG. 18, PCD device 1863 of portablecommunication device 1857 includes a Wi-Fi transceiver 1877. Base unit1800 may use the Wi-Fi transceiver 1877 as an Internet gateway and,further, make the gateway available to one or more of the other portablecommunication devices 1830, 1847, and 1867. Other base unit devices andPCD devices may also be shared in a similar manner.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of theinvention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except inlight of the attached claims and their equivalents.

We claim:
 1. A system comprising: a fixed base unit comprising a baseunit processor and a base unit user interface, where the fixed base unitincludes a plurality of base unit devices cooperating with the base unitprocessor to execute a set of stand-alone infotainment and/or telematicsfunctions; a portable communication device (“PCD”) comprising PCDprocessor and a PCD user interface, where the PCD further includes a PCDdevice cooperating with the PCD processor to execute a stand-aloneinfotainment and/or telematics function of the PCD; and where the fixedbase unit and the PCD are connected for intelligent communication withone another, the PCD is configured to forward to the fixed base unit,identification information regarding the PCD device in response to thefixed base unit and the PCD being connected for the intelligentcommunication, and where the fixed base unit is configured to controland access the PCD device in order to execute the stand-aloneinfotainment and/or telematics function of the PCD.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, where the PCD device comprises a global positioning system(“GPS”) receiver, and where the fixed base unit is configured to controland access the GPS receiver when the fixed base unit and the PCD areconnected for intelligent communication with one another.
 3. The systemof claim 1, where the PCD device comprises a Wi-Fi transceiver, andwhere the fixed base unit may use the Wi-Fi transceiver as an internetgateway when the fixed base unit and the PCD are connected for theintelligent communication with one another.
 4. The system of claim 1,where the base unit user interface comprises browser interface access tothe stand-alone infotainment/telematics function of the PCD.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, where the base unit user interface comprises plug-ininterface access to the stand-alone infotainment/telematics function ofthe PCD.
 6. The system of claim 1, where the fixed base unit is fixed inthe vehicle.
 7. A system comprising: a fixed base unit adapted toexecute a set of stand-alone infotainment and/or telematics functions; aportable communication device adapted to execute a stand-aloneinfotainment and/or telematics function; and where the portablecommunication device is configured to send to the fixed base unitidentity of a coupled device in response to the fixed base unit and theportable communication device being connected for intelligentcommunication with one another and the fixed base unit is configured tocontrol and access the stand-alone infotainment and/or telematicsfunction of the portable communication device by control and access ofthe coupled device.
 8. The system of claim 7, where the coupled devicecomprises a global positioning system (“GPS”) receiver, and where thefixed base unit is configured to control and access the GPS receiverwhen the fixed base unit and the portable communication device areconnected for intelligent communication with one another.
 9. The systemof claim 8, where the fixed base unit is configured to communicatecommands and data to the portable communication device for use incontrol of the GPS receiver.
 10. The system of claim 9, where theportable communication device is configured to stream map video to thefixed base unit in response to the commands and data received from thefixed base unit.
 11. The system of claim 9, where the portablecommunication device is configured to stream audio to the fixed baseunit in response to the commands and data received from the fixed baseunit.
 12. The system of claim 7, where the coupled device comprises aWi-Fi transceiver, and where the fixed base unit is configured to usethe Wi-Fi transceiver as an Internet gateway when the fixed base unitand the portable communication device are connected for intelligentcommunication with one another.
 13. The system of claim 7, where theportable communication device and the fixed base unit each comprise auser interface, and where the user interface of the fixed base unit andthe user interface of the portable communication device each comprise adisplay.
 14. The system of claim 7, where the portable communicationdevice and the fixed base unit each comprise a user interface, and wherethe user interface of the fixed base unit comprises browser interfaceaccess to the stand-alone infotainment/telematics function of theportable communication device.
 15. The system of claim 7, where theportable communication device and the fixed base unit each comprise auser interface, and where the user interface of the fixed base unitcomprises plug-in interface access to the stand-aloneinfotainment/telematics function of the portable communication device.16. The system of claim 7, where the portable communication device isconfigured to communicate decoded media data to the fixed base unit forplayback in response to commands provided by the fixed base unit to theportable communication device.
 17. A system comprising: fixed base meansfor executing a set of stand-alone infotainment and/or telematicsfunctions; portable communication means for executing a stand-aloneinfotainment and/or telematics function by a device coupled with theportable communication means; and where the portable communication meansis configured for sending to the fixed base means identification of thedevice when the fixed base means and the portable communication meansare connected for intelligent communication with one another and wherethe fixed base means is configured for controlling and accessing thestand-alone infotainment and/or telematics function of the portablecommunication means by controlling and accessing the device.
 18. Thesystem of claim 17, where the device comprises a global positioningsystem (“GPS”) receiver, and where the fixed base means is configured tocontrol and access the GPS receiver when the fixed base means and theportable communication means are connected for intelligent communicationwith one another.
 19. The system of claim 18, where the fixed base meansis configured to communicate commands and data to the portablecommunication means for use in control of the GPS receiver.
 20. Thesystem of claim 19, where the portable communication means is configuredto stream map video to the fixed base means in response to the commandsand data received from the fixed base means.
 21. The system of claim 20,where the portable communication means is configured to stream audio tothe fixed base means in response to commands and data received from thefixed base means.
 22. The system of claim 17 where the device comprisesa Wi-Fi transceiver, and where the fixed base means is configured to usethe Wi-Fi transceiver as an Internet gateway when the fixed base meansand the portable communication means are connected for intelligentcommunication with one another.
 23. A method for operating aninfotainment/telematics system comprising: executing a set ofstand-alone infotainment and/or telematics functions using a fixed baseunit; executing a stand-alone infotainment and/or telematics functionusing a portable communication device with a resource; and sending, bythe portable communication device to the fixed base unit, identificationinformation of the resource via intelligent communication; andcontrolling, by the fixed base unit, the standalone infotainment and/ortelematics function of the portable communication device by accessingthe resource of the portable communication device based on theidentification information.
 24. The method of claim 23, furthercomprising: providing global positioning system (“GPS”) functionality asthe stand-alone infotainment and/or telematics function of the portablecommunication device; and controlling the GPS functionality by the fixedbase unit when the portable communication device and the fixed base unitare connected for intelligent communication with one another.
 25. Themethod of claim 24, further comprising streaming map video from theportable communication device to the fixed base unit in response tocommands and data received from the fixed base unit at the portablecommunication device.
 26. The method of claim 23, further comprising:providing Wi-Fi functionality as the stand-alone infotainment and/ortelematics function of the portable communication device; controlling,by the fixed base unit the Wi-Fi functionality and using the portablecommunications device as an Internet gateway when the fixed base unitand the portable communication device are connected for intelligentcommunication with one another.
 27. The system of claim 1, where thefixed base unit is configured to forward to the PCD, identificationinformation of at least one of the base unit devices in response to thefixed base unit and the PCD being connected for the intelligentcommunication, and where the PCD is further configured to control andaccess the at least one of the base unit devices to execute at least oneof the respective stand-alone infotainment and/or telematics functionsof the fixed base unit corresponding to the at least one of the baseunit devices.
 28. The system of claim 7, where the coupled device is atransient device and the portable communication device is configured tosend identity information of the transient device to the fixed base unitin response to the transient device being coupled to the portablecommunication device.
 29. The method of claim 23, where the resource isa temporary resource, the method further comprising: identifying, by theportable communication device, the temporary resource in response to thetemporary resource being connected to the portable communication device;and sending, by the portable communication device to the fixed baseunit, indication of absence of the temporary resource, in response tothe temporary resource being disconnected from the portablecommunication device.